BYU football wants to run it back this year and reach the Big 12 Championship game in Arlington for the second straight season. Only this time, they plan on winning the whole thing.
Returning an immense amount of talent on both sides of the ball, while bringing in key transfers to fill the gaps, both Aaron Roderick's offense and Kelly Poppinga's defense seem well-equipped to build off of the Cougars' 11-win season and send the battering ram through the door of the exclusive College Football Playoff once and for all.
But the Cougars' greatest strength on the field isn't returning quarterback Bear Bachmeier or last year's Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, LJ Martin -- it's the big uglies out in front.
BYU's offensive line is building buzz in the college football space, with big Bruce Mitchell leading the way at center as a projected All-American in 2026, and veteran know-how to either side of number 63.
As an aside, I served alongside Mitchell and his companion, Richie Saunders, in the Washington, Seattle mission. I'm not trying to name-drop or anything, but it's just an insane feeling to be where we are now, as two individuals whom I spent a great deal of time with are now projected to be an All-American and an NFL Draft pick, or currently projected to be taken in the NBA Draft. What a wild time in my life to see these people on TV.
Back on topic, I'd like to tip my hat to the offensive line, a unit that will be instrumental in clearing the way for LJ Martin to build on his incredible junior season, while protecting Bear Bachmeier as he drops back to pass. BYU's success will hinge on the offensive line's effectiveness, especially if they meet up against Texas Tech in the conference championship game.
Bleacher Report listed BYU's offensive line as the best projected unit in the nation in a recent article.
"In front of quarterback Bear Bachmeier, the Cougars return three starters. That group includes center Bruce Mitchell—a first-team All-Big 12 selection—right guard Kyle Sfarcioc and right tackle Andrew Gentry. Washington transfer Paki Finau made a strong case at left tackle this spring, and Sonny Makasini was a regular at left guard in 2025. Even if someone else leaps Makasini on the depth chart, experienced depth is a great problem for BYU to have."
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